After looking forward to summer break since, oh, the first day of school back in September, it can be a little overwhelming when it finally arrives. School is more than just homework and classes, it’s also where you see your friends and get involved with activities. When school lets out for the summer, you have to find new ways to fill your time! Don’t worry; everyone has to go through this. Ask friends for suggestions. Maybe you could find something fun to do together.

You’ve probably already thought about finding a paid job or internship. But there are plenty of other options you might want to consider. If you live in a small town, or summer jobs are hard to come by, you may need to get creative! Many teens have tried baby-sitting to earn some money over the summer, but have you tried advertising as a dog walker or house sitter? You might also try yard work, house cleaning, or garage organizing. Go into business for yourself by advertising your services in flyers around the community.

If you’re interested in helping your neighborhood, look into community service. Many cities have programs for you to get involved in, from volunteering at the hospital to helping out with your local parks and forest service. Sometimes you can even volunteer at local tourist attractions. Besides being good for your resume, community service gives you the chance to give back to your community. Get to know people in your neighborhood; you might organize a neighborhood parade, talent show, carnival, sports competition, or a play. You definitely won’t feel like your summer passed you by!

Earning money for a charity is also an option. A community yard sale, bake sale, or car wash can be a great way to earn money. Get some friends together and have fun while doing something for an awesome cause!

Summer can be the perfect time to learn something new. If you live near a community college or university, find out what summer classes are being offered. Look into camps, either as a camper or a camp counselor. Forget about making lanyards and friendship bracelets, you can find programs with cool crafts like metalworking and making jewelry! If you want to see something new, ask parents and relatives if there is someone you could visit for a week or two. Chances are, you have a second cousin or an aunt that lives somewhere you haven’t visited before. If you want to go further, do some research into summer abroad programs.

Summer activities are about more than just filling up those sweltering summer days. It’s your chance to find something that you want to do. Express what’s important to you by either volunteering somewhere, going into business for yourself, or learning or seeing something new. That way, next September you won’t wonder where your summer vacation went!!